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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for removal of methane from coalbeds

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7186741
A method is described for removing methane gas from underground coalbeds prior to mining the coal which comprises drilling at least one borehole from the surface into the coalbed. The borehole is started at a slant rather than directly vertically, and as it descends, a gradual curve is followed until a horizontal position is reached where the desired portion of the coalbed is intersected. Approaching the coalbed in this manner and fracturing the coalbed in the major natural fraction direction cause release of large amounts of the trapped methane gas.
Assignee:
Energy Research and Development Administration
Patent Number(s):
US 3934649
OSTI ID:
7186741
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English